On March 5, an interactive online session titled “Co-Creating Impact: Integrating Real-World Actors in Project Implementation” brought together around 400 participants from across Europe. The event focused on a key priority in Horizon Europe: ensuring that research and innovation projects actively involve stakeholders beyond academia.
Participants explored practical challenges in engaging citizens, SMEs, public authorities, and NGOs throughout project implementation. Discussions highlighted the importance of clear communication, defined roles, and long-term collaboration to ensure meaningful participation and real impact.
A valuable perspective was shared by a policy expert from European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, who outlined common pitfalls and emphasized the need to integrate stakeholders from the very beginning of a project.
During the session, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid URBREATH partner presented the URBREATH project as a practical example of co-creation in action. The presentation demonstrated how involving real-world actors throughout the project lifecycle can enhance both relevance and societal impact.
Overall, the session reinforced that co-creation is essential for building impactful, inclusive, and future-oriented projects under Horizon Europe.